About Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also known as ubiquinone. It is naturally produced by the human body and a critical cofactor necessary for numerous processes in the body at the cellular level. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, whether drugs or natural substances, can interfere with the body’s ability to produce CoQ10.

As a result of this depletion, side effects may include myalgias (muscle pain), myopathies, rhabdomyolysis, kidney dysfunction, gastrointestinal distress, liver problems, and progression of cataracts, among other ailments. These untoward effects are all thought by some experts to be brought on as a direct consequence of CoQ10 depletion from taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

As such, combining organic red yeast rice with CoQ10 is a logical measure. Furthermore, CoQ10 on its own is a remarkable active ingredient supporting heart and overall health. According to the world famous Mayo Clinic, “CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as heart conditions”. But just to be fair, according to Mayo, an absolute consensus has yet to reached, as they believe that there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend for or against the use of CoQ10.

In line with the Mayo Clinic, the American College of Cardiology issued an expert consensus in 2005 concluding that CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease has not been clearly established. However according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers believe that there is a benefit of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. According to these same researchers, this beneficial effect is due in part to the ability of CoQ10 to improve energy production in cells and inhibit the formation of blood clots. They point to a pivotal clinical study that found people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of suffering a heart attack were less likely to have another heart attack or even chest pain. Add to that, these same patients proved less likely to die of heart disease than others that did not take CoQ10. While a consensus has not been reached and the debate continues, studies continue to pile up supporting the utility of CoQ10 for heart health.